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By Maulid "Mo" Miskell, Program Director Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners

Deadline to Renew: Feb. 28, 2010

All dentist and dental hygienist licenses expire on Feb. 28, 2010. You must have an active license in order to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in Colorado. It is also the responsibility of all supervising dentists who have licensed personnel operating in their practices to make sure that each licensed employee has an active license.

Take Action: Support Federal Bill to Repeal Insurance Anti-Trust Exemption

Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey is leading the way in encouraging the U.S. Congress to repeal an insurance industry exemption from federal antitrust laws. Currently, the exemption allows health insurance companies to work jointly to set rates without fear of federal antitrust scrutiny. When this type of behavior is allowed, consumers are hurt by a reduction in innovation and variety in the marketplace, compared to what would be offered in an atmosphere of robust competition between insurance providers.

The CDA continues to act on behalf of Centennial dentists regarding the issue of charging sales tax on items sold in dental offices within the City of Centennial.

The CDA attorney suggests that practices located within the City of Centennial that have a current Centennial Sales Tax License file an annual return, even if the practice does not have retail sales to report for the period.

Some Dentists Must Register Under State Consumer Credit LawAttention dentists: do you offer payment plans to your patients? If so, you may be required to pay a fee and register with the state of Colorado before March 1.

In January, the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) voted to adopt new rules on the administration of anesthesia. This vote concludes a year of discussion and revision to the rule. The rule went through several iterations before final adoption, addressing a number of dentist concerns in the process.

Thanks to everyone who took action in support of HB 1144, the bill to address insurers’ practice of dictating fees for non-covered services. As you know, HB 1144 died in a frustrating tie vote earlier this month. However, the CDA is still very committed to addressing this issue. We are reviewing our options and will keep members posted with more information as available.

The city of Centennial has been sending letters to local dentists asserting that dentists must collect sales tax from patients on certain cosmetic products, including teeth whitening kits. Centennial’s tax code, however, exempts “drugs or materials furnished by a doctor as part of professional services provided to a patient” from sales tax requirements.

There were lots of smiling kids on Friday, Feb. 5 thanks to Colorado dentists and dental professionals. About 250 dentists participated in the eighth annual Give Kids a Smile Day. In Colorado, this means children from low-income families without access to regular dental care are given free treatment and education by dental volunteers committed to this cause.

Don't miss your opportunity to take advantage of discounted Denver Nuggets tickets for March and April games! This is a CDA benefit for members and their friends and family. Better yet, a portion of all tickets sold will benefit the CDA Charitable and Educational Fund.